| Shortened
enrollment period ends Dec. 15
Beginning November 1, Idahoans were able purchase health and dental insurance for 2018 on the Idaho health insurance exchange,  Your
Health Idaho. The exchange is the only place in the state where individuals
can purchase health insurance and receive a tax credit to help offset the
costs of their monthly premium.
“There are differences this year that we should be aware of,” says Becky Colwell, Benefits Counselor, St. Mary’s and Clearwater Valley Hospital and Clinics. “First, the enrollment period is shortened this year,” Colwell said. Open Enrollment for 2018 coverage runs from November 1 to December 15. “Second, the plans and prices that you see on YourHealthIdaho.org reflect the recent decision regarding funding for cost-share reductions (CSRs). While that funding has stopped, the CSR benefits remain,” Colwell said. These benefits include reduced costs for deductibles, office visits, and prescription medication. “We know that applying for and signing up for health insurance benefits can be an intimidating task, especially if you have never done it before,” says Becky Colwell, Benefits Counselor, St. Mary’s and Clearwater Valley Hospital and Clinics. “I am here to help you with that process and provide the appropriate referral.” In addition to plans offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Becky is able to help people apply for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and she is also a certified Senior Health Insurance Benefit Advisor (SHIBA) and is able to provide free Medicare counseling. In the past few years Becky has helped many grateful people sign up for health insurance. One patient says, “With Becky’s help I was able to choose a plan and sign up for health insurance. I then got scheduled with a Primary Care Provider and my blood pressure is under control for the first time in years.” “We want you to know that we are here to help,” says Colwell. “More insured people mean more people with easier access to healthcare, and that is something we at SMH/CVHC are very passionate about.” St. Mary’s and Clearwater Valley Hospital and Clinics has also partnered with area insurance agents who assist with this process and provide consumers with plan recommendations. Those agents are: Rod Grant, Walrath Insurance, 208-476-5527 in Orofino, Bonny Turner, Greg Kimberling Insurance, 208-476-5713 in Orofino, Mike Asker, Farm Bureau, 208-983-2401 in Grangeville, and Dominic Lustig, Camas Prairie Insurance, Camas Office 208-926-5401 in Cottonwood, Seyer Office 208-983-1238 in Grangeville. Please contact Becky Colwell at 208-476-8018 for assistance with signing up for health insurance. Open enrollment ends December 15, 2017. For more information, please visit www.yourhealthidaho.org. This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number D04RH28412, from the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program. $600,000 was awarded over 3 years. Those funds are from 100% federal sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. |
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